Family, Community, Dedication & Skills

Jimmy is the son of Jim Blanks and the late Janice Blanks. He was raised in Tullahoma. And educated in the public school system here in Tullahoma. He attended South Jackson, Farrar, West Junior High and Tullahoma High School. After a good educational foundation, attended David Lipscomb University and then graduated from Southern College of Optometry in 1987.

In 1989 while practicing in McMinnville, Tennessee He married June-Ellen Schlimmer. They remained in McMinnville until 1991. When they made the decision to relocate to Tullahoma, where he performs his practice now at "The Eye Care Center".

June-Ellen and Jim have a son, Dean, who attends West Middle School. Jimmy is a member of the Cedar Lane Church of Christ and serves as a Deacon. Jimmy is involved in his son's youth sports programs as a Coach and a volunteer. He served as President of the Tullahoma Swim Club for the last several years. He is a nationally certified official for United States Swimming. He volunteered throughout the Southeast officiating swim meets. He is a past member of the Tullahoma Downtown Lion's Club.

I have chosen to run because I feel a need to provide a public service to my community. I would like to see Tullahoma remain a place that anyone would want to raise a family in. I would like to see Tullahoma return to a place business could invest in and return us to a retail center. I am running because I would like to give back to the community that has afforded me many opportunities. I would like to insure the same opportunities to others that I enjoyed growing up in this community. I think this city needs an Alderman that represents all the members of this community. Growing up in Tullahoma and practicing Optometry here afforded me the opportunities to have relationships with a wide variety of people. Being that I am in contact with the public on a daily basis I believe I have a good pulse on the community.

As a parent I have an interest in the school system not only for my son but his classmates as well. As a businessperson I want to strive for a city that will support business and keep taxes low. If elected I would try to represent all the people of Tullahoma. I would continue this last Board's legacy of cooperation with one another. I would try to do what is best for the citizens of Tullahoma. I will try to be open and approachable in all aspects of city government. I will try to do my homework and be prepared to participate in the city board meetings and lastly I will do my best to be a good ambassador for this city. I thank you for your interest and I would like to be your Alderman.